Veteran Led

Zack Knight has spent his entire adult life serving — first as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer, then as a police officer, bodyguard, entrepreneur, and community leader. Today, he leads organizations dedicated to Veteran transition, storytelling, and personal development, including ATL Vets, Be a Tactical Leader, and Knightly Productions.In this Veteran Led conversation, Zack shares how discipline, service, and self-awareness shaped his evolution from the military into entrepreneurship. He and John S. Berry discuss the importance of mentorship, the dangers of isolation in Veteran communities, and why purpose must be built deliberately — not discovered by accident.Zack also explains how strategic storytelling helps leaders communicate clearly, build trust, and create meaningful change.ATL Vets: https://atlvets.org/ Zack Knight Website: https://zackaknight.com/ Be a Tactical Leader: https://beatacticalleader.com/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/zackaknightLearn more at ptsdlawyers.com

Chris Carlson has built a rare career spanning acting, law, public speaking, and Veteran entrepreneurship — and at the center of all of it is one skill: storytelling.A lawyer, public speaker, and actor with more than 40 film credits, Chris now serves as a program coordinator for Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans & Military Families (IVMF), where he helps Veteran business owners scale, communicate more clearly, and influence with purpose. In this episode, he and John S. Berry explore how stories shape human decision-making, why authenticity wins over complexity, and how leaders can “read the room” to connect more deeply with their teams. Chris also shares lessons from the courtroom, the movie set, and the CEO Circle — along with practical techniques professionals can use to become more compelling communicators.Narrative Pros: https://narrativepros.comIVMF: https://ivmf.syracuse.eduLearn more at ptsdlawyers.com

Chris Gonzalez never planned on becoming the president of a fast-growing consulting firm — but authenticity, discipline, and a relentless focus on impact took him there.A U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and President & Co-Founder of A-G Associates, Chris helps federal agencies and community organizations solve complex challenges through strategy, data analytics, and stakeholder engagement. In this conversation with John S. Berry, he shares what he’s learned about leadership, growth, and building a company that stays true to its values.From avoiding the “we do everything” trap, to hiring for authenticity, to navigating rapid expansion, Chris explains how Veterans can bring structure, strategic thinking, and integrity into any industry. He also discusses the power of clean data, how to measure real effectiveness, and why leaders must empower their teams instead of hovering over them. Learn more at ptsdlawyers.com

Alexa Bigwarfe turned personal tragedy and military discipline into a mission to help others share their stories.An Air Force Veteran, author of more than 15 books, and founder of Write | Publish | Sell, Alexa helps Veterans, entrepreneurs, and women find healing and impact through writing. In this episode, she joins John S. Berry to discuss why storytelling matters, how writing can be a tool for purpose and recovery, and what every aspiring author should know before publishing.From her time as an intel officer to building a thriving publishing business, Alexa shares candid lessons on leadership, resilience, and turning pain into progress. She also explains how writing connects Veterans to their voice — and why the world needs more of their stories.Learn more at ptsdlawyers.com

What does it mean to lead with both drive and compassion?John S. Berry sits down with Cal Riley — U.S. Army Veteran, EOS Implementer, entrepreneur, and author of Entrepreneurial Compassion — to explore how empathy and accountability transform business culture. Cal shares lessons from combat and entrepreneurship, explaining why pairing vision with compassion builds stronger, more connected teams.They discuss: • How EOS helps leaders align people and purpose • Why compassion is a force multiplier for performance • How vulnerability builds trust and loyalty • The importance of finding “right people, right seats” • Why you don’t have to be sick to want to get better🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.Learn more at ptsdlawyers.comGuest Links: • Website: calrileycultureteam.com • EOS Profile: eosworldwide.com/cal-riley • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cal-riley-6482b376 • Instagram: @cultureteam_llc | @entrepreneurialoperatingsystem

Malaysia Harrell has lived both sides of healing — as a mental health provider and as a Veteran who nearly lost everything.A U.S. Air Force and U.S. Public Health Service Veteran, Malaysia shares her journey from near-death experience to rediscovering purpose through Mind-Body Medicine, entrepreneurship, and faith. She opens up about medical adversity, invisible disabilities, and the importance of redefining identity beyond rank or title.Now the CEO of Blissful Life Consulting and author of God Has My Six, Malaysia helps others connect the mind, body, and spirit to heal fully and lead authentically.In this Veteran Led conversation, she and John S. Berry explore how Veterans can embrace new beginnings, find meaning beyond their career, and use their voice to guide others through the darkness.Learn more at ptsdlawyers.com

What separates good leaders from great ones?Recorded live at the Military Influencer Conference in Atlanta, John S. Berry talks with Tim Huff, President & CEO of Turknett Leadership Group, about how humility, character, and integrity define true leadership. Drawing from his experience as a U.S. Army officer and his career guiding executives, Tim shares what it means to lead with purpose—on and off the battlefield.They explore how humility builds stronger teams, why vulnerability inspires trust, and how self-awareness helps leaders grow through challenge. Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or your family, this conversation will remind you that the best leaders start with character.If you or a Veteran you know need help filing a claim or appealing a VA disability decision, contact ptsdlawyers.com

Laughter can unite a community.Recorded live at the Military Influencer Conference in Atlanta, John S. Berry sits down with Zach Bell, creator of Veteran With a Sign, and Austin von Letkemann, founder of Mandatory FunDay. Both have used humor, storytelling, and authenticity to connect with millions and spark honest conversations about military life, leadership, and mental health.In this episode, John, Zach, and Austin discuss how comedy can become a form of service — breaking stigma, strengthening community, and reminding Veterans that it’s okay to find healing in humor.Learn more at ptsdlawyers.com

What does it mean to build influence through service? In this episode, John S. Berry talks with Curtez Riggs, Founder of the Military Influencer Conference — recorded live at MIC — about what it means to lead with purpose, authenticity, and service. Curtez shares how his journey from the U.S. Army to entrepreneurship taught him that real influence is measured by the people you lift up. Through his leadership at MIC, and ongoing work with Recurrent Ventures, We Are The Mighty, and Triple Nikel, Curtez continues to empower Veterans, creators, and brands to connect through shared purpose. Guest Links: • Military Influencer Conference: https://militaryinfluencer.com • Recurrent Ventures: https://recurrent.io • Triple Nikel: https://triplenikel.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtezriggs/ • Recurrent Military: https://www.recurrentmilitary.com/If you or a Veteran you know need help appealing a VA ability decision, contact ptsdlawyers.com

What happens when military families share their stories—and what risks come with speaking out?In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry talks with Jennifer Barnhill, journalist, researcher, and the 2025 Armed Forces Insurance Navy Spouse of the Year. Barnhill has spent her career uncovering how military spouses and children experience service, and how safe storytelling can bridge the gap between civilian and military life.They explore why families often hesitate to share openly, how leaders can protect those voices, and what true people-first leadership looks like when it includes spouses and kids. Barnhill also previews her upcoming book, The Military Stories You’ve Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear, and why it’s time to center military families in the conversation about service and sacrifice.Guest Links: • Substack: https://weservetoo.substack.com/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weservetoo/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morethanadependent/• Twitter: https://twitter.com/More_Than_Mommy• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermbarnhill/

What happens when your purpose doesn’t fit inside the uniform?In this episode of Veteran Led, host John S. Berry sits down with MSgt Josh White, USAF (Ret.)—founder of Hero Front and now a leading voice for Recurrent Military and the Military Influencer Conference. Josh shares his journey from military funeral honors and podcasting in uniform, to battling identity loss after retirement—and how storytelling helped him reclaim purpose.They break down the risks of passive suicide, the value of community, and how the Military Influencer Conference helps Veterans build visibility and leadership beyond the uniform. Josh speaks candidly about the emotional toll of transition and the power of vulnerability, mentorship, and mission-focused service.If you’ve ever struggled to define your purpose after military life, this one’s for you.Key Topics:Starting Hero Front during active dutyHow the Military Influencer Conference builds Veteran communityMental health and the danger of passive suicideLife after military retirement and finding identity againVeteran leadership at Recurrent MilitaryService beyond the uniform through storytelling🎧 Check out Josh’s work:Email: HeroFrontPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: HeroFrontPodcast.comAll links: linktr.ee/herofrontTikTok: @herofrontInstagram: @herofrontLinkedIn: Josh WhiteYouTube: HeroFrontApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/herofront Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2srGvtAaTORP3IESKD41qI?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linktree&utm_campaign=spotify

What if the trust, growth, and future of your team depended on addressing the one issue you’re most afraid to talk about?In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry, U.S. Army Veteran and CEO of Berry Law, reveals why leaders must face tough conversations head-on. Drawing lessons from military command structures and his own experience leading teams in business, John explains how silence erodes trust, slows growth, and pushes good people out the door.He shares the story of tolerating incompetence at a key leadership level—and the heavy price paid when no one had the courage to speak up. From the battlefield to the boardroom, the message is the same: leaders must shape the narrative or risk losing it.Key takeaways:Why fear keeps leaders from addressing the obviousThe cost of ignoring incompetence on your teamWhy silence creates more problems than open dialogHow military leadership balances support and open discussionWhy shaping the narrative is every leader’s responsibility

What does it mean to lead with honor after 30 years in the Marine Corps?In this episode of Veteran Led, guest host Trevor Nealy interviews MGySgt Martin Duarte, USMC (Ret.), about the timeless leadership principles he carried from the Corps into civilian life. Now serving as Outreach Coordinator at Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS.org), Duarte shares candid lessons on discipline, integrity, and accountability—plus the life-changing impact of programs like Mobility is Freedom and the Veterans Welding Program.Together, they explore how Veterans can apply military values to business, community, and family—and why leading with honor never ends when the uniform comes off.Key takeaways:How the Marine Corps instills discipline that lasts a lifetimeWhy integrity is the foundation of leadership on and off dutyLessons every business leader can learn from military serviceThe role of accountability in building high-performing teamsHow Veterans can lead with honor in civilian lifeThe impact of Wounded Warriors Family Support programs

What if your paycheck—and job security—depended only on the value you deliver?In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry reveals why traditional job security is a myth—and how Veterans are uniquely built for success in a performance-based world.From military expectations to the business world, John shares lessons learned during the 2008 recession, the rise of AI job disruption, and the transformation of Berry Law’s own internal model. It’s a call to action for Veterans and leaders to take ownership of their outcomes, raise their standards, and stay valuable in an economy that rewards performance—not promises.Key takeaways:Why “job security” is outdated in today’s economyWhat the military teaches about results-driven performanceLessons from contingency-based models in law and businessHow Veterans can thrive in a performance-pay systemPreparing for the future of work and AI-driven disruption

When was the last time someone you trusted let you down?Every leader faces betrayal—by a colleague, partner, or even a friend. The test isn't what happens. It's how you respond. In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry shares how he handled leadership betrayal in both military and business settings.Drawing from stories in combat and the courtroom, John explores what to do after trust is broken—how to lead through loss, protect your mindset, and get your mission back on track.This episode is for Veterans, entrepreneurs, and anyone who's ever had to lead after being blindsided.Key takeaways:Why betrayal is part of leadershipWhen to forgive—and when to walk awayHow to protect your team, mindset, and missionTurning pain into purpose without revengeResilience strategies for high-stakes leadership

Can Army supply chains really prepare you to fight cyber threats?In this episode of Veteran Led, CPT Edward Tuorinsky, U.S. Army (Ret.), shares how military problem-solving shaped his journey from leading troops to leading one of the most trusted cybersecurity and compliance firms in the Defense Industrial Base.Ed explains how the Army taught him to lead through uncertainty, improvise under pressure, and protect what matters most. He breaks down the state of government contracting, what businesses need to know about cyber defense, and why Veterans have the skills to thrive in GovCon.You’ll also hear:How Army logistics experience led to a career in cybersecurityThe story of founding DTS and growing it into a leading government contractorKey differences between military and civilian leadershipMentorship, mission focus, and core values in businessWhy Veterans belong in GovCon and cyber defense👉 Who should watch/listen: Veterans considering entrepreneurship, business leaders navigating cybersecurity, and anyone curious about how military service translates into business success.🔗 Learn more about DTS: dothesecurity.com

What would you pay to protect your focus, your family, and your mission?In this episode of Veteran Led, host John S. Berry tells the true story of a Marine Veteran who wrote a $97,000 check—not to keep fighting a legal battle, but to take control of his peace and focus. It’s a leadership lesson on knowing when to press forward and when to let go.John breaks down how leaders can recognize when a problem is doing more harm than good—and how making the hard call can help you lead stronger.Whether you're a Veteran, entrepreneur, or team leader, this episode will help you think differently about where you spend your time, energy, and focus.Key topics covered:When the cost of holding on is too highLeading under pressure without burning outTactical decision-making for long-term successWhy letting go can protect your missionMental health and stress management for leaders

Ethical leadership isn’t about saying the right things—it’s about setting the standard and living by it.In this episode of Veteran Led, host John S. Berry explains the difference between values, morals, and ethics—and why leaders must define them clearly for their teams. Drawing from military experience and legal ethics, Berry outlines a tactical approach to building trust, accountability, and alignment in any organization.Learn how to build ethical clarity, create core values that actually mean something, and why empowering your team to say “no” is a sign of real leadership.Whether you’re leading a small business, a legal team, or a Veteran nonprofit, this episode gives you a framework to lead with integrity—and help others do the same.Key topics covered:Why values and ethics are not the sameHow to establish clear, consistent ethical standardsCore values that drive the Berry Law cultureThe leadership power of saying “no”How to build an ethical organization from the ground up

CAPT Mark Fava, USN (Ret.)—Navy Veteran, aviation attorney, and senior Boeing executive—joins Veteran Led to discuss how military precision fuels legal and corporate leadership.From serving as aide to a Navy admiral to managing legal fallout during 9/11 at Delta Air Lines, Fava shares real-world leadership lessons rooted in military discipline. Now a Vice President at Boeing, he explains how Veterans can leverage their training to lead with clarity, make high-stakes decisions, and mentor the next generation.In this episode, host John S. Berry explores how preparation, humility, and mission-focus drive success beyond the uniform—and why those who served are uniquely equipped to thrive in business.Key topics covered:Leadership lessons from being an admiral’s aideCrisis management during 9/11 at DeltaTransitioning military skills into law and businessHow to mentor (and be mentored) effectivelyDecision-making under pressure at Boeing

What does it take to grow a small, underfunded nonprofit into a $4 million-per-year force for veteran support?In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Kate McCauley, CEO of Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS), to explore how operational clarity, disciplined leadership, and heartfelt dedication can scale a mission—without losing the soul behind it.Based in Omaha, Nebraska, WWFS was founded over two decades ago by retired Marine Colonel John Folsom. What began with passing the hat in a military unit has grown into a nationally respected organization supporting severely wounded veterans and their families. Kate shares the powerful origin story, the strategic pivots that led to explosive growth, and how they’ve maintained a 100% transparency rating while keeping overhead low and impact high.This episode unpacks WWFS’s flagship program, Mobility is Freedom, which equips catastrophically wounded veterans with adaptive vehicles that preserve independence and prevent isolation. Kate reveals how the program combats veteran suicide and why aging veterans—many missing multiple limbs—face overwhelming financial barriers to mobility.From food insecurity to caregiver burnout, WWFS doesn’t stop at veteran care—they provide respite programs, home assistance, and direct family support, including for children and secondary caregivers.Key themes include:🔑 How small nonprofits can scale without losing control💡 The dangers of overpromising (and how to stay mission-aligned)🔎 Why transparency, not branding, wins long-term donor trust📈 Lessons in leadership, CRM systems, and fundraising in a noisy marketKate also offers tactical advice for veterans looking to give back or start a nonprofit: be mission-focused, start at the bottom, and partner with others who share your values. She emphasizes that growth isn’t about ego—it’s about helping more people.Whether you're a nonprofit leader, veteran entrepreneur, or supporter of military families, this episode will challenge you to think bigger—and do better.📍 Learn more or donate at wwfs.org